Grant provides critical supplies prior to storm seasonDuke Energy employees volunteer to assemble severe weather kitsST. PETERSBURG, Fla., Feb. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the Duke Energy Foundation announced it has donated $40,000 to the Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas (AAAPP) to supply severe weather kits to older adults in preparation for the 2025 hurricane season."Helping seniors stay safe in their homes is the mission of the Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas, so we are so grateful for Duke Energy's support of our Senior Storm Kit program," said Ann Marie Winter, the not-for-profit's executive director. "Duke's funding will help about 1,000 seniors cope when severe weather hits. We also appreciate that Duke Energy is so committed to our partnership that their team members helped assemble all of these crucial kits."These severe weather kits contain essential items needed in such an event, including: a 12-hour light stick, flashlight with batteries, headlamp, matches, battery-powered radio, mini first-aid kit and other safety-related items, multi-tool kit, manual can opener, reusable utensils and drinking cup, notebook and pencil, large print puzzle books, toiletry kit and hygiene items, and a tote.To further support AAAPP efforts, Duke Energy employees volunteered to assemble the severe weather kits."Last year's hurricane season demonstrates the importance of being prepared. Volunteering to assemble severe weather kits allows us to reach our most vulnerable communities

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Feb. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Duke Energy announced today it has appointed Katherine Neebe, senior vice president and chief sustainability officer, as chief communications officer (CCO), effective Feb. 24.Neebe succeeds Oscar Suris, senior vice president and CCO, who will become a senior advisor."Katherine has demonstrated a deep appreciation for the critical role that clear, timely communications play in fostering trust among our stakeholders," said Louis Renjel, executive vice president and chief corporate affairs officer. "She has the leadership skills and external affairs experience needed to help meet the expectations of our customers, communities, shareholders and other stakeholders."Neebe added, "Delivering business outcomes by serving our customers and communities will remain my focus. Corporate Communications is essential in advancing our ambitious energy modernization strategy, aimed at meeting our communities' growing and evolving energy needs."Under Suris, Duke Energy's Corporate Communications reorganized to become a fully integrated communications, public affairs and brand marketing organization, expanding its external storytelling and internal communications capabilities."I am thankful for Oscar's dedication and commitment to Duke Energy during his tenure here, and I'm grateful to have the benefit of Oscar's outstanding expertise and counsel," Renjel said.Suris added, "It's been my privilege to work with this talented team and tell the dynamic story of Duke Energy. This is the right time to transition to an advisor role and help empower the next generation of communications leaders."Duke Energy also announced Amy Strecker will lead Neebe's former organization in the interim, in addition to her current role as Duke Energy Foundation president.About Katherine NeebeNeebe is senior vice president and chief communications officer at Duke Energy